From: Judy Seigel (jseigel@panix.com)
Date: 10/17/01-05:14:18 PM Z
Another opinion(s):
Having been to a range of schools over 50 years (from Northwestern
to Chicago to Cooper to Pratt), I can attest that most of what I
learned I taught myself, but a supportive teacher at a shaky junction was
invaluable.
Having taught at even more schools, I've found teaching part-time sublime,
teaching for a living/fulltime would be deadly, or so I imagine, as I've
never done it.
BUT, today we have a number of EXCELLENT texts on alt-photo, not to
mention this list -- in my experience & from hearsay, VERY FEW teachers of
the processes know as much technically as you'll find in most of those
chapters. As is still unfortunately often the case (if not the rule),
schools see a demand for "alt" courses & press their regular teachers into
service, many never having done the processes themselves, or maybe a
platinum workshop -- it's all the same to administration. (They may have
to teach drawing, digital and graphic design, too, in small schools.)
Of course there is no "alternative photography" any more than there is "a"
photography, or for that matter an "art." Go where there are SMART
STUDENTS, preferably an art school, or one with a strong art department.
The use of an MFA program is the COHORT, the classmates and teachers with
whom you will bond and network. (Or as Harold Rosenberg said, "By the time
there's a bandwagon it's too late to jump on it.") Of course there are
those who won't/can't learn from a book, but want to be fed in person --
fortunately, so there are some jobs for MFAs. (A school that won't let
teachers use the facilities must be VERY good in other respects, because
otherwise I can't imagine how it would keep faculty -- or expect them to
be sharp. I would also imagine that seeing their teachers actually at work
would inspire students.)
PS. I have shot current NYC imagery & have WTC, but feel need to let it
"ripen" before printing (my Times Square photos, now in work, are 15-20
years old. I can see them better -- maybe in time they get to be more like
flowers ?). A genius might avoid the obvious in using these themes right
now, but .... genius writes its own rules anyway.
PPS. Meanwhile, there is, I understand, a VERY moving and interesting show
at 116 Prince St, Soho -- the gods willing I'll get there. First
professional photogs, then everybody, brought in their shots of the event,
which were scanned and printed out digitally, everything is hung and sold
for $25, printed on the spot, proceeds to victim's fund. One newspaper
report mentioned photo of beefy man's arm with tattoo of WTC and
teardrops.
PPPS. Whoever dismisses *Disney* as theme, source, reference for
contemporary art must read nothing but Farmer's Almanac. Disney themed art
is all over the most prestigious art publications, such as Artforum, the
biennials, the auctions, almost to the point of cliche. Oh maybe that's
why the teacher objected -- too obvious?
Judy
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